Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to attend to and manage problems with mares and foals during and after birth.
The unit applies to individuals who use specialised horse knowledge and skills, have responsibility for a work activity, area or team, and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems in the horse breeding sector.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare the mare for foaling | 1.1 Carry out a risk assessment for all activities working with pregnant mares and newborn foals, and take action to control risks 1.2 Calculate foaling date and prepare mare and facilities for foaling 1.3 Adjust mare nutritional requirements according to nutrition plan 1.4 Determine vaccination schedule in consultation with veterinarian 1.5 Check for Caslick and open when necessary |
2. Prepare mare for parturition | 2.1 Monitor signs of foaling and imminent birth in mares, and review mare foaling history 2.2 Ensure site hygiene and infection control, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling mares 2.3 Wash and clean the mare’s udder and perineal areas and wrap the upper half of the tail 2.4 Ensure emergency resuscitation kit is stocked and ready |
3. Monitor mares and foals during and after birth | 3.1 Monitor and assist mares during the stages of labour using safe and calm horse handling techniques 3.2 Ensure emergency procedures are in place for veterinarian care and/or transport to clinic 3.3 Make sure foal is breathing and receives colostrum soon after birth 3.4 Put iodine on the umbilical stump and check over several days for the presence of urine 3.5 Make sure the foal stands and nurses correctly in a reasonable timeframe 3.6 Make sure the mare expels the afterbirth in appropriate time and check it for completeness 3.7 Check the mare for several days for any signs of reproductive tract infection 3.8 Check the foal for several days to monitor health and vital signs, including immunoglobulin testing 3.9 Collect colostrum from suitable mares for freezing and to be used as required |
4. Apply treatments to mares and foals | 4.1 Make sure the foal is protected against tetanus 4.2 Ensure foals are vaccinated and dewormed according to workplace procedures 4.3 Implement workplace procedures for dealing with orphan foals 4.4 Check mares for signs that may warrant attention from a veterinarian 4.5 Record details of the birth and maintain workplace records |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret and extract key information from individual mare records |
Writing | Enter accurate data and observations about the birth for the mare and details for the newborn foal in workplace records |
Numeracy | Use basic arithmetic to calculate expected foaling date |
Navigate the world of work | Follow regulatory and workplace procedures, including work health and safety, safe horse handling, hygiene and biosecurity, and animal welfare requirements, associated with own role in managing foaling and post-foaling problems |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence tasks; monitor risks and progress of mares and foals, adjusting activities to achieve outcomes Use workplace technology, tools and/or systems to complete records and reports |
Sectors
Horse Breeding (HBR)